Welcome to February and Happy National FFA Week! National FFA Week is designed to highlight the success of our members and the impact they have in our schools, communities and the broader industry of agriculture. Enjoy the moments as you celebrate the success of your local chapter and many wonderful FFA members, and please join us in telling our story.
As I begin this journey of reflections about the recently adopted value statements, I start with the action of RESPECT. I intentionally referred to respect as an action. Our value statements should inspire everyone to take action and create a more inclusive FFA.
As I shared last month, I want to tell a story about my grandpa. Grandpa was a wonderful, loving man. Although he could not read or write, everyone deeply admired and respected him. He was a single father of five and was dedicated to his family, his work, and his community. However, Grandpa was challenged to make ends meet financially. He worked a full-time job and two part-time jobs to provide.
Grandpa’s primary job was being a janitor at our small community school. He worked there until he had a heart attack in the mid-1970s. I didn’t know how much he was respected until 30+ years later. I received a call from one of my uncles — the alumni wanted to induct my grandfather into the school’s hall of fame. I remember thinking, Wow! A janitor being inducted into the hall of fame, a spot usually reserved for long-standing teachers and leaders. I was asked to provide a framed portrait of my grandpa on the night of his induction.
The night finally came, and I was so excited to be with my family as we inducted my deceased grandfather into the hall of fame. I was overwhelmed as I heard former students, teachers and staff proclaim my grandfather’s many wonderful attributes. A state senator even stopped by to talk about how my grandpa taught him the power of forgiveness. People admired and respected him for how he treated every individual as a person. I could still recall his humble and gentle spirit in their remarks. That night, I remembered firsthand how his daily action of modeling respect to others had and would continue to impact my life.
I have a quote hanging in my office: “…work with your hands so you MAY win the respect of others.” I capitalize “MAY” as a reminder that people have an option of respecting me. I must carry myself in a way others will choose to respect me. I have heard it said, “Respect is earned and not demanded.” As we continue our journeys, let us be reminded of the impact of our positions and the importance of modeling respect. Our students will see that in our actions and strive to be more like us; just like the local community remembered my grandpa.
My challenge to you as agriculture teachers of great young and moldable minds is to teach in a way that models respect for all. Share stories with young people about people you respect and “why” you respect them. Position your students to understand and respect the differences found in people. Help them understand the principle of respecting first and then being respected. My grandpa was a great example of this idea and led a beautiful life of serving others. And if I recall correctly, the end goal of our organization, as stated in our motto, is “Living to Serve!”
Here by the Owl,
James
Dr. James Woodard
National FFA Advisor
